Graphical Wi-Fi SSID Display Through URL Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi networks are limited to using alphanumeric characters for SSIDs, restricting businesses and personal consumers in naming and branding their networks, which hinders effective identification and branding opportunities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing the display of graphical symbols as SSIDs on Wi-Fi client devices by storing them at a network address, broadcasting an internal SSID and URL, and retrieving the graphical symbol for display, allowing temporary connection for retrieval without indicating the connection to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If alphanumeric characters are used for SSID, then network identification is achieved, but branding and personalization capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical symbols as visual copies or representations of network identifiers. Instead of relying solely on alphanumeric text, the system displays graphical symbols (such as company logos or custom graphics) that visually represent the network identity, enabling businesses to showcase their branding while maintaining the underlying alphanumeric SSID for technical identification purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If graphical symbols are displayed as SSID, then branding and personalization are enhanced, but device compatibility and protocol adherence may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network identification function into two distinct parts: the alphanumeric SSID that adheres to standard Wi-Fi protocols for reliable device communication and connection, and the graphical symbol that serves as a visual branding overlay. This segmentation allows both the technical protocol requirements and the branding enhancement goals to coexist without compromising either.
3Ease of operation
If internal SSID and password are displayed, then network connection is facilitated, but security and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces graphical symbols as an intermediary visual element between the user and the network credentials. Instead of directly displaying sensitive information like internal SSIDs and passwords, the system uses graphical symbols as a mediator that provides visual identification and branding while keeping the actual credentials hidden, thus facilitating user recognition without compromising security.
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method for displaying a graphical symbol as an SSID representative of a Wi-Fi network on a Wi-Fi client user device is disclosed, which includes storing a graphical symbol as an SSID for a Wi-Fi network at a network address based on a URL (the network address can be either internal or external to the Wi-Fi network); broadcasting an internal SSID and the URL in a broadcast message from a wireless access point device coupled to the Wi-Fi network to be accessed, the broadcasting performed by the wireless access point device operating independently of a Wi-Fi client user device; receiving the broadcast message at the Wi-Fi client user device; retrieving, by the Wi-Fi client user device, the graphical symbol stored at the network address using the internal SSID and the URL; and displaying, on the Wi-Fi client user device, the graphical symbol as the SSID for the Wi-Fi network.